The PGA Tour returns with a strong field after a week's lay-off, for The Mayakoba Classic at El Camaleon Golf Club, Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
Before I start my preview I want to send my thoughts and best wishes to Mr Fixit and his family. My prayers are with them all after Mr F was admitted into hospital at the weekend. Let’s all wish Paul a speedy recovery, it was so warming to read all the get well messages posted from everyone on the website.
This stunning Greg Norman designed El Camaleon course is surrounded by tropical jungle, dense mangrove and clear water ocean, where Brendan Todd will return to defend his title on the par 70 parkland venue with 132 competitors competing for the $7.2M purse with a cool $1.29M to the winner.
The weather is forecast to be a mixture of showers and sunshine with a light to moderate breeze so I’d expect another low scoring affair especially as the last few years have seen winning scorecards with anything in between -18 to -22.
Harris English
For my first selection I’m going to suggest Harris English 20/1 EW betfair.
The American has been in splendid form recently and has previously won this event so really enjoys playing at The Mayakoba.
English has finished in the top 20 in 12 of his past 17 tournaments including;
- 2nd at The Northern Trust only to be beaten by eventual winner Dustin Johnson
- 4th at The US Open at Winged Foot
- 6th on his last appearance at The RSM Classic
He actually carded a final round 62 at The RSM which will certainly do his confidence no harm. I feel English is just slightly overpriced with Justin Thomas and Brooks Koepka heading the market, therefore I’m backing him to be in the mix yet again on Sunday.
Corey Conners
For my next selection I’m going to pick Corey Conners at 33/1 (betfair), the young Canadian who has already won on a Greg Norman designed course similar to this one at The Texas Open.
He is in really good form at the moment finishing in the top 10 in three of his last four events. He chalked up 10th at The Masters in Augusta after a slow start, and another 10th place most recently at The RSM Classic. He can back that up with 8th at the Zozo Championship and 17th at Sanderson Farms.
The Canadian has risen through the rankings in dramatic style; 271st playing here two years ago and now competing for a top 50 world ranking this weekend. Only impressive consistent golf takes you up the rankings so effectively.
The 28-year-old old is 17th in driving accuracy and always puts himself in good positions to attack the greens which will be a key attribute this week so I’m confident the Canadian will be in contention on Sunday evening.
Russell Knox – Top European
My next selection is one of our own and Scotland’s Russell Knox to be top European player at 7/1 EW with bet365.
With only twelve Europeans in contention I think 7/1 represents amazing value especially with the recent form of some of the other Europeans in this field.
I would also suggest you keep an eye on Knox at 100/1 EW (betfair) to win this event as again I think this represents terrific value.
From 2016-2018 the 36-year-old Scot has impressive results here at El Camaleon where he has finished T2nd, 3rd and T9th.
Knox is seventh in greens in regulation on the PGA Tour this season which will also be key here over the weekend so if he can bring his hot iron play with some better driving accuracy then this has to make him a contender especially to be Top European if not go on and win the title .
Brendon Todd v Carlos Ortiz
My next selection is a 72 hole match bet between Brendon Todd (10/11 Nap) to beat Carlos Ortiz at bet 365.
I think last years winner, with a -20 scorecard, can again be in about the birdies and get the better off Ortiz.
